What are the primitive types in JavaScript?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Eight Primitive Types in JavaScript
  • 1. Number
  • 2. String
  • 3. Boolean
  • 4. Null
  • 5. Undefined
  • 6. Symbol
  • 7. BigInt
• Conclusion

Introduction

JavaScript is a dynamically typed language that features several data types, which can be classified into primitive types and reference types. Primitive types represent single, immutable values and are fundamental to programming in JavaScript. This guide provides an overview of the primitive types in JavaScript, their characteristics, and examples of how they are used.

The Eight Primitive Types in JavaScript

1. Number

The Number type represents both integer and floating-point numbers. It can handle values in scientific notation and is not limited to a specific range of values.

• Example:

2. String

A String is a sequence of characters used to represent text. Strings can be defined using single quotes, double quotes, or backticks (template literals).

• Example:

3. Boolean

The Boolean type has two values: true and false. It is commonly used for conditional statements and logical operations.

• Example:

4. Null

The null type represents an intentional absence of any object value. It is often used to indicate that a variable has been deliberately assigned no value.

• Example:

5. Undefined

The undefined type indicates that a variable has been declared but has not yet been assigned a value. It is the default value for uninitialized variables.

• Example:

6. Symbol

The Symbol type is a unique and immutable value that can be used as an identifier for object properties. Each symbol is guaranteed to be unique, making it useful for avoiding property name collisions.

• Example:

7. BigInt

The BigInt type allows you to work with integers that are larger than the maximum safe integer limit (2^53 - 1). It is created by appending n to the end of an integer literal or by using the BigInt function.

• Example:

Conclusion

JavaScript has eight primitive types: Number, String, Boolean, Null, Undefined, Symbol, and BigInt. These types are fundamental for working with data and logic in JavaScript applications. Understanding the characteristics and usage of each primitive type is essential for effective coding and application development in JavaScript.